Neighbor Island contestants to take the stage in Hawai‘i’s Finest Talent Contest on O‘ahu

The search for the state’s next emerging musical artist is underway in Hawai‘i’s Finest Talent Contest.

Sponsored by Pacific Media Group radio stations KQMQ – HI93 Oahu, KLHI – HI92 Maui, KSRF – HI95 Kauai and KAPA-FM Hawai‘i Island, contestants from O‘ahu have been showcasing their talents on stage at the HB Social Club in Honolulu.

Moving into the second half of performances, a lineup of artists from Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i Island and Maui are set to grace the stage starting July 18 with Jioji from Kahalu‘u and Bobby Cummings, also known as Local Boy Hittah from Līhu‘e.

Headliners that night will be Malino and Hammah House.

Neighbor island artists will be flown to O‘ahu, courtesy of Southwest Airlines, and will enjoy accommodations provided by The SurfJack Hotel & Swim Club.

“We’re excited to provide a platform for local artists to shine and gain exposure,” said Chris Riofta, Program Director of HI95 Kaua‘i.

Kelsey “K-Smooth” Yogi, Program Director of HI93 Oahu continues: “Our community has an abundance of talent, and this contest is a fantastic opportunity for these musicians to take the next step in their careers.”

Click here to follow the contest on HI93 Oahu radio station.

The overall grand prize winner will receive $1,000, a professional recording session, and a performance slot at a future Hawai‘i’s Finest concert, setting the stage for them to become the next big act from Hawai‘i.

Reflecting on the success of previous contests, 2022 winners Hui Pu have seen growth in their career, booking numerous performances and gaining widespread recognition.

Fans and supporters are encouraged to stay tuned to HI93 Oahu for updates and to join the excitement at HB Social Club to cheer on their favorite local artists. The journey to finding Hawaii’s next big star promises to be an unforgettable experience filled with incredible music and talent.

“Our radio stations across the state are dedicated to serving the communities on every island,” said Joshua Mednick, Regional Vice President for Pacific Media Group. “Working with Hawai‘i’s Finest to provide a stage to undiscovered talent is just one of the ways we fulfill on that promise.”

Pu’unui Wong, HI93 Oahu on-air personality, contest series host and judge, said they were excited to celebrate the state’s “amazing talent” and felt it was important to take the competition to the next level with live performances, spotlighting young local talent, creating new opportunities for them in Hawai‘i.

“Across our multiple radio stations throughout the islands, we’re honored to be the people’s stations and provide a platform for undiscovered artists,” Wong said.

Contestants from the first half of the competition have included a great cross-section of our community – from 14-year-old MJ Fuata, whose mother missed the birth of her grandchild while performing with MJ; to Hazel-Rose Nahienaena, an MMA fighter and pageant queen in the World’s Beautiful Miss Pageant.